Happy 4^th of July!!!!

Nutrition Blog

What is the Unwanted BBQ Guest? Listeria

WOW! Summer has not gotten here yet, and it is hot already.Time to have BBQ’s, swim parties, beach parties, graduation parties, and all sorts of parties.Because of the outside parties that will be given this summer, we need to take into consideration foodborne illnesses that will be lurking around and trying to get people sick, especially children and elderly.Remember that bacteria grow faster in foods that are at a warmer than usually temperature when outside.

Listeria monocytogenes is a very dangerous bacteria that grows year-round especially during the summer months.This bacterium grows at refrigerator temperature and is very deadly for pregnant mothers, unborn babies, and newborns, in fact, they are 10 times more likely to become infected with the bacteria.

Listeria is found in foods such as:

• Cheeses that are soft and ripened (examples: Mexican-style, Brie, Feta, and Ricotta)
• Vegetables that are raw
• Pre-bagged salads with ham, chicken, tuna, and seafood
• Meats from the deli
• Hot dogs

Hot dogs are a favorite at every BBQ party, however, that is why it is extremely important to make sure that:

• Hot dogs are never eaten straight from the package but heated to 165 degrees F
• Hands are washed before and after handling the pack of hot dogs
• Drain hot dog juices in sink so that it does not get on other foods or eating utensils
• Keep grilled hot dog temperature at 140 degrees F or above until eaten
• Leftovers should be refrigerated or placed on ice at least two hours after removed from grill or one hour if temperature is 90 degrees F.When reheating hot dogs, always heat to 165 degrees F or above.
• Leftover should be eaten within four days, after four days throw away

Following these instructions will keep these dangerous and deadly bacteria from crashing your party and making people sick.

Healthy Recipe

Watermelon Ice Pops

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups seeded diced watermelon
• ½ cup fresh strawberries
• 2 Tablespoons sugar, honey, or agave syrup
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in blender, puree until smooth.Pour puree into Popsicle molds, dividing equally.Freeze several hours, or overnight.

Health Tips

Build up muscle with Protein - Because the body needs lots of protein to strengthen your muscles, eating a meal that is full of protein reduces feeling hungry between meals.Most of the protein meals that are chosen are usually high in fats, so choosing leaner meats such as chicken, fish, and beans are better for the body and muscles.

Phat can be good Fat - Producing healthy and strong cells comes from eating fats.The body needs vitamins A, D, E, and K also to produce healthy cells.There are two types of healthy fats Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated.These fats include sources such as avocados, cheese, butter, canola oil, eggs, and olive oil.

Carbs can be complex - Because our brain and our body need energy that is produced from carbohydrate daily, we focus on complex carbs such as pastas and breads that are whole grain.Adding green vegetables for fiber regulates our digestive system and gives us a regular bowel movement.

Drinks with Sugar and Foods with Sugar should be limited - According to the American Heart Association, a child’s intake of sugar should only be three (3) teaspoons which equals to twelve (12) grams.We think that by avoiding candy, cookies, or soda is okay, we should also avoid things that have added sugars too, such as processed foods, can goods, frozen foods, fast foods, and condiments.

Salt just a DASH - We know that the body needs salt to function.But adding too much salt can cause health problems such as high blood pressure. Remember one (1) teaspoon of salt is 2300 mg.Children should eat the least amount of salt possible per day approximately 1/3 teaspoon. Always remember that when we eat processed or fast foods, there are tons of salt to keep the food from spoiling.

St. John Parish Department of Health and Human Services Food Distribution at West St. John High and Regala Gym

Cynthia Clifton, Extension Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter participated in the St. John Food Distribution at West St. John High School and Regala Gym giving away nutrition information and incentives for cooking to the community.It was an enjoyable hot day, but it was worth helping the community with needed supplies and nutrition information. The Department of Health and Human Services sponsors this event every other month for the residents of St. John the Baptist Parish.It is so wonderful to help and give back to the community.

If you are interested in scheduling a nutrition class for your organizations, please contact Cynthia Clifton, Nutrition Extension Agent, LSU AgCenter at 985-497-3261 or cclifton@agcenter.lsu.edu Visit our parish Facebook page at http://facebook.com/lsuagcenterstjohnparish

The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.